Arsenal have tripled in value since Stan Kroenke became majority shareholder in 2011.
The American became the majority shareholder of the club in 2011 after purchasing shares from Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and Danny Fiszman. He currently owns 67.05% of Arsenal’s shares.
According to figures provided by The Stateside Gooner, Kroenke paid £440m to acquire that 67.05%. Since then, the value of the club has only increased. Forbes recently listed Arsenal as the sixth most valuable football club in the world, worth £1.5bn.
Examining Kroenke’s portfolio of sports club, there’s little doubting that he’s a shrewd businessman. Every one of his clubs have grown in value since his original investment. Unfortunately, Arsenal’s increasing value hasn’t coincided with an upturn in sporting success.
The Gunners have won three FA Cups and three Community Shields since Kroenke became majority shareholder. They haven’t come close to a Premier League title, nor have they made a deep run in the Champions League.
By comparison, Chelsea and Manchester United have won several league titles and the Champions League under their foreign owners. Manchester City are following a similar path, having won the Premier League twice since their takeover. Each of these clubs have also increased in value.
Sporting success clearly isn’t a priority for Kroenke, and this is the main reason why fans want him out of the club. Unfortunately, it seems it’s going to take a substantial offer for that to happen.